The Magic Behind Red Velvet Pancakes
Isn't it delightful when you can whip up an extravagant breakfast in your comfy pajamas? Imagine diving into a stack of rich, velvety pancakes topped with a silky cream cheese frosting. The experience is something akin to biting into a cloud, albeit a delicious, decadent one.
Understanding the Ingredients
To create this enticing breakfast treat, you'll need the following ingredients. Here's the rundown:
For the batter:
- All-purpose flour: 190 grams (1 ½ cups)
- Cocoa powder: 15 grams (2 tablespoons)
- Granulated sugar: 12.5 grams (1 tablespoon)
- Baking powder: 9.6 grams (2 teaspoons)
- Baking soda: 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon)
- Salt: 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon)
- Buttermilk: 245 grams (1 cup)
- Milk: 122 grams (½ cup)
- Large eggs: 2
- Unsalted butter, melted: 30 grams (2 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Red food colouring (optional)
For the pan:
- Butter for greasing
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- Cream cheese, softened: 113 grams (4 ounces)
- Unsalted butter, softened: 57 grams (¼ cup)
- Powdered sugar: 120 grams (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract: 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon)
A Gourmet Breakfast in 8 Acts
- Start with the basics. In a large bowl, blend together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Next, grab a separate bowl. Mix together the buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a few drops of red food colouring (if using).
- Ready for the magic? Combine the wet and dry ingredients until barely mixed. Don't stress about a few lumps; they'll give your pancakes a homely touch.
- Now, turn up the heat. Lightly oil a non-stick pan and set it over medium heat.
- The batter's up! Pour about 60 grams (¼ cup) of the batter onto the heated pan. Wait for bubbles to form on the surface, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Flip it real good! Once you see those bubbles, flip your pancake and let it cook for another minute or so.
- Get your stack on. Remove your pancakes from the pan and set them aside. Keep them warm as you finish up the rest of the batter.
- Finally, it's frosting time. Blend the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Top your pancake stack with this dreamy cream cheese frosting. Bask in the delightful moment when the warm pancakes cause the frosting to melt just a smidge, making your gourmet breakfast look like it came straight out of a chef's kitchen.
Shaking Things Up With Substitutions
Can't find some ingredients in your local supermarket? Don't worry!
- Can't find buttermilk? Measure 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to come up with the same quantity of buttermilk as the recipe.
- You can swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if you're going for a healthier option.
- Similarly, almond milk or soy milk can replace regular milk for those on a dairy-free diet.
- For an egg-less version, substitute each egg with a mixture of one tablespoon of ground flaxseed and three tablespoons of water.
Serving Suggestions
These red velvet pancakes are a feast on their own, but if you'd like to up the ante, consider adding a side of crispy bacon or sausages. The salty, crunchy meat provides an excellent contrast to the fluffy pancakes. Alternatively, a fresh fruit salad can add a refreshing balance to this rich breakfast.
Not Just a Feast for Your Eyes: Nutritional Breakdown
Given that this recipe serves 4, each serving equates to about four pancakes. Each serving has approximately:
- Calories: 502
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Proteins: 12g
- Fats: 23g
- Sodium: 912mg
- Cholesterol: 139mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
Expert Tips for Perfect Pancakes Every Time
- Always sift your dry ingredients. It will make your pancakes light and fluffy.
- Don't overmix your batter. Those little lumps won't affect the texture of your pancakes.
- Heat the pan before adding the batter. A properly heated pan ensures even cooking.
Flipping Through Queries
Do I have to use red food colouring?
Nope! The red food colouring is purely for aesthetics. Your pancakes will still taste heavenly even without it.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! If cream cheese frosting isn't your thing, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
How long will these pancakes stay fresh?
These pancakes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
It's highly recommended. Sifting helps aerate the ingredients, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour of your choice.
Savouring the Last Bite
There you have it! Red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting — a breakfast of champions, indulgence, and pure joy. The perfect recipe to elevate your morning meals and add a little gourmet touch to your home cooking. So why wait? Grab your apron, and let's cook up a storm!